Living in a narrow bungalow in Calgary has its charm—mature neighbourhoods, quiet streets, and great light. But furnishing these homes can be a challenge. Long, tight rooms and low ceilings often leave people feeling stuck with their layout.
Good news: with the right pieces and thoughtful placement, small spaces can still feel cozy, open, and stylish. Whether you're working with a post-war bungalow in Renfrew or a compact home in Killarney, there's a layout that'll work for you.
Here are some layout ideas (and furniture picks) designed for Calgary's narrow bungalows.
Start with the Flow
Narrow homes often have a single main hallway or walk-through area connecting the living, dining, and kitchen zones. Blocking that path with bulky furniture makes everything feel tighter.
Tip: Float your furniture away from the walls when possible. This sounds counterintuitive in a small space, but it often makes the room feel more open. Leave 2 to 3 feet of walking space where people naturally move.
Living Room Layout: Slim Sofa + Two Chairs
In a narrow living room, skip the oversized sectional. A slim sofa (ideally with legs showing) gives the illusion of more space. Pair it with two smaller accent chairs that can be angled toward each other for conversation.
Add a round or oval coffee table—it softens the room and helps traffic move around it. Nesting side tables are great if you want to add surface area without bulk.
For those searching small space furniture Calgary options, Showhome Furniture has many Canadian-made sofas and chairs designed to fit tighter floorplans. Their design team can help customize pieces that look good and function well.
Dining Area Layout: Bench Seating + Round Table
Tight dining areas are common in Calgary bungalows, especially when the kitchen is closed off or partially open.
Tip: Use a dining bench on one side of the table—it can sit flush against the wall and still seat multiple people. A round table saves space and feels more welcoming in smaller rooms.
If you like built-ins, consider a custom banquette. It saves space, adds storage underneath, and gives your dining area a cozy feel.
Bedroom Layout: Storage Beds + Vertical Solutions
Calgary bungalows usually have smaller bedrooms. You may not have room for a full dresser and nightstands—but that’s okay.
Look for beds with built-in drawers or room underneath for bins. Wall-mounted lights free up space on your nightstands. If you’re short on closet space, try a wardrobe or armoire with both hanging and drawer storage.
Stick with neutral tones and soft textures to keep the room feeling calm, not crowded.
Multi-Purpose Spaces: Work + Relax
Many older bungalows have one room doing double duty—like a guest bedroom that’s also a home office.
Try a daybed or a sofa bed to keep the room flexible. Use a small desk that can double as a vanity or console. Foldable chairs or nesting stools are easy to tuck away when not needed.
Furniture that pulls double duty is key here. If you’re looking for small space furniture Calgary residents can rely on, Showhome Furniture has multi-functional pieces that don’t feel too bulky or bland.
A Few Layout Do's and Don'ts
- Do use rugs to define different zones in long, open rooms.
- Don’t push all furniture against the wall. It makes the room feel narrower.
- Do use mirrors to reflect light and make rooms feel larger.
- Don’t forget to leave space around doors, windows, and vents.
- Do go vertical with storage—think bookcases, wall shelves, and tall cabinets.
Where to Shop Small Space Furniture in Calgary
Showhome Furniture at North Hill Centre is a great place to find furniture made for Calgary homes. Their 70,000 sq. ft. showroom includes a wide selection of small-scale sectionals, space-saving beds, extendable dining tables, and compact storage options.
Many of their pieces are Canadian-made and customizable—perfect for fitting awkward floor plans or tight rooms. Plus, they offer a free interior design consultation, so you can walk in with your measurements and walk out with a solid plan.
For those working with narrow rooms, older layouts, or multi-use spaces, their team knows what works in Calgary homes.
Final Thoughts
Furnishing a narrow bungalow in Calgary doesn’t mean giving up style or comfort. It just takes a bit of planning and a few smart choices. Float your furniture, think vertically, and choose pieces that work hard without taking up too much room.
Looking for more help with your layout? Showhome Furniture has the small space furniture Calgary homeowners need to make the most of every square foot—without the guesswork.
FAQs on Narrow Calgary Bungalows Furniture Layout:
1. How do I choose furniture for a narrow bungalow living room?
Start by measuring the space and looking for furniture that’s scaled for smaller rooms. Avoid oversized sectionals or deep sofas that eat up floor space. Instead, go for a slim-profile couch with visible legs and pair it with lightweight chairs that are easy to move. Floating your sofa a few inches off the wall and using a round coffee table can make the room feel more open. If you're shopping in Calgary, look for showrooms that specialize in small space furniture.
2. Can I still have a dining area in a tight bungalow layout?
Absolutely. You just need the right shape and setup. Round or oval tables work well in tighter dining spaces because they improve flow and allow for more flexible seating. Use a bench on one side to save room, especially if the table sits near a wall. A banquette is another great space-saving option. If you’re searching for small space furniture Calgary locals love, check out stores that carry compact or extendable dining sets designed for smaller homes.
3. What are the best multi-use furniture pieces for small Calgary homes?
Look for furniture that can serve more than one function. Daybeds, storage ottomans, sofa beds, and lift-top coffee tables are all great options. In guest rooms or offices, a sleeper sofa keeps the space flexible without taking up too much room. Storage beds with drawers underneath are perfect for smaller bedrooms where closet space is tight. Showhome Furniture in Calgary offers a selection of Canadian-made multi-functional pieces tailored for small homes and condos.
4. How can I make my narrow rooms feel wider?
Use a few design tricks to help the room feel more open. Stick to light or neutral colours on walls and furniture. Use mirrors to reflect light and give the illusion of space. Place rugs to define zones without closing off the room. Furniture with legs that show gives a lighter feel than boxy, low pieces. Most importantly, don’t overcrowd the room. Leave enough walking space between furniture. These tips work well in Calgary’s many compact bungalows.
5. Where can I find customizable small space furniture in Calgary?
Showhome Furniture at North Hill Centre is one of the best places in Calgary for small-space solutions. Their 70,000 sq. ft. showroom features a wide selection of compact and customizable furniture, including Canadian-made sofas, beds, and storage pieces. Whether you need a narrower dining table or a sectional that fits a unique floorplan, their team can help. They also offer a free interior design consultation so you can bring your room measurements and get expert help planning your layout.
Book a Free Design Consult for Small Spaces at Showhome Furniture Calgary
Need help furnishing a narrow home or tricky room? Book a free design consult at Showhome Furniture in Calgary. Their experts specialize in small space layouts and can recommend Canadian-made pieces that fit your home and lifestyle. With a huge showroom at North Hill Centre and a wide range of customizable furniture, you’ll find stylish solutions that don’t sacrifice comfort or function. Bring your floorplan, and let their team help you design a space that actually works.
